Promoting Health and Safety in Construction through the Procurement Process

Elijah Frimpong Boadu,Riza Yosia Sunindijo,Cynthia Changxin Wang

doi:10.3390/buildings11100437

Abstract

This study explored the impact of considering health and safety (H&S) in the construction procurement process based on the extent of H&S implementation on projects. Underpinned by information integration and rational decision-making theories, the study evaluated how the integration of H&S objectives into the overall project objectives, and the subsequent consideration of H&S matters in procurement decisions, influence H&S implementation on projects. Data were collected using questionnaire surveys from 287 respondents in Ghana who had direct involvement in the project procurement process. The survey explored the extent of H&S integration into the procurement process and its subsequent impact on H&S implementation. Path analysis was carried out to determine the causal relationships between the various procurement processes and H&S implementation. The results demonstrate that setting H&S objectives and integrating H&S into the planning stage decisions have a significant impact on the extent to which H&S matters are considered in the tendering and tender evaluation stages, as well as the H&S provisions in conditions of contracts. It also showed that adequate H&S consideration in these procurement stages subsequently influences H&S consideration in contract administration and monitoring and ultimately influences the extent of H&S implementation. These findings demonstrate the importance of integrating H&S in all aspects of construction procurement to promote H&S implementation on projects.

Highlights

Many arrangements have been made to address construction health and safety (H&S) problems worldwide
The model postulates that procurement processes could be used to promote H&S on construction projects by integrating H&S objectives into the procurement decisions at the planning and tendering stages, during tender evaluation, in preparing conditions of contract, and in administering and monitoring contracts
In the context of this research, H&S was considered as an important issue and as such clients were required to develop and integrate clear H&S requirements and standards that they expected to achieve on their projects

Summary

Introduction

Many arrangements have been made to address construction health and safety (H&S) problems worldwide. These include, but are not limited to, passage of legislation, establishment of health and safety enforcement institutions, H&S management systems, and development of H&S policies. These arrangements are highly centred on contractors to manage construction health and safety; yet contractors perceive health and safety compliance as an additional economic burden, which reduces their profit margins [1]. Studies have revealed that many on-site accidents can be attributed to managerial decisions made well before the commencement of work on the construction site [2,3]. Clients are best positioned to demand H&S processes and outcomes [8]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion